This Week in Good Black News: Venus Williams Gets Her Own Barbie, TSU Breaks Ground on a $50M Engineering Hub, the WNBA Sets an Attendance Record, and WWE’s Naomi Shares Pregnancy Joy
This week’s roundup celebrates milestones, history-making, and joyful new beginnings.
Tennis star Venus Williams is being honored with her very own Barbie doll, spotlighting her trailblazing career and fight for equal pay. Tennessee State University is investing in the future with a $50 million engineering facility set to open in 2027. The WNBA is shattering records, drawing more than 2.5 million fans to games this season. And in wrestling news, WWE star Naomi announced she and husband Jimmy Uso are expecting a baby — sending fans into cheers during "Monday Night Raw."
Mattel Honors Venus Williams with Inspiring Barbie Doll Celebrating Equal Pay Legacy
Mattel is giving Venus Williams her flowers in the form of a brand-new Barbie, BET reported. The tennis icon is the latest to be immortalized in the Barbie Inspiring Women collection, with a doll that reflects her game-changing career on and off the court.
The release highlights Williams’ historic 2007 season, a year that cemented her as both a five-time Wimbledon champion and a fearless advocate for equality. That summer, she not only secured another Grand Slam victory but also made history by helping usher in equal prize money for women at Wimbledon, an achievement that forever changed professional tennis.
“Growing up, I was taught early on that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance,” she shared. “That belief has guided me to break barriers and use my platform to champion causes like equal pay—not just for myself, but for those who come after me.”
She also emphasized what it means to be part of Barbie’s Inspiring Women line, saying: “Being honored as a Barbie Inspiring Woman is incredibly special. I hope this doll encourages young people to dream big, know their worth, and pursue their goals with confidence and heart.”
Tennessee State University Invests $50 Million in New Engineering Hub
Tennessee State University is building big for the future. The university has announced plans for a nearly 70,000-square-foot engineering facility that will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and collaboration, The Tennessean reported. Approved by the Tennessee State Building Commission on August 15, the $50 million project underscores TSU’s commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and national leadership in engineering education.
The new complex will bring together all of TSU’s engineering programs alongside its Applied & Industrial Technology program, creating a modern, interdisciplinary space designed to foster collaboration from undergraduate through Ph.D. levels.
Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with the doors set to open in summer 2027.
“This new building is a substantial investment in the College of Engineering,” said Dr. Lin Li, dean of the college. “Our programs have seen tremendous growth in students, faculty, and research. This facility will provide a world-class space that enhances collaboration across six undergraduate programs, three master’s programs, and one Ph.D. program, while also fueling innovative activities that directly benefit Nashville and the greater Middle Tennessee region.”
WNBA Smashes Single-Season Attendance Record with 2.5 Million Fans
The WNBA is breaking records and making history. The league has officially set a new single-season attendance record, welcoming more than 2.5 million fans to games across the country in 2025.
The milestone was announced Thursday and reflects attendance from 226 games played by 13 teams so far this year. By comparison, the previous record of 2002 was set across 256 games with 16 teams, making this year’s achievement even more remarkable.
As of August 20, the WNBA had drawn 2,501,609 fans, underscoring the league’s growing popularity and the rising demand for women’s sports.
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WWE Superstar Naomi Announces Pregnancy During Monday Night Raw
WWE fans got a heartwarming surprise during "Monday Night Raw" when superstar Naomi revealed she is expecting her first child with husband and fellow wrestler Jimmy Uso.
The 37-year-old athlete, whose real name is Trinity Fatu, shared the news during the Aug. 18 broadcast in a segment previewing Stephanie McMahon’s "What’s Your Story?" podcast.
“Big Jim has a big message for you,” Naomi teased, before Uso, playfully added, “We need y’all to proceed with caution because there is a baby on board. We all the way pregnant!”
The live crowd erupted with cheers as Fatu beamed, confirming: “I’m pregnant, and I’m having a baby.”